Heating Installer Awards 2026 Rising Star Winner Daisy Turner has spoken to BBC Essex about her journey into the plumbing and heating industry, her apprenticeship and the experiences helping shape her career.
The Essex-based apprentice, was crowned Rising Star of the Year at the Heating Installer Awards 2026 after impressing judges with her technical ability, professionalism and commitment to the industry.
During her BBC Essex interview, Daisy discussed why she chose an apprenticeship instead of following the university route, the value of learning on the job alongside experienced engineers and her experience building a career in the plumbing and heating industry.
She also spoke about her ambitions for the future, including building on her gas qualifications and developing her knowledge of renewable heating technologies.
From finalist to Rising Star Winner
Daisy’s 2026 win followed an impressive journey with the Heating Installer Awards. After reaching the national finals the previous year, she returned in 2026 and went on to secure the Rising Star title following the awards’ judging process, technical challenge and public vote.
Her winning entry demonstrated both her practical skills and the wider contribution she is already making to the industry.
One of the projects highlighted in her entry involved heating and plumbing modifications as part of a home renovation for a family adapting their property around critical medical needs. Daisy has also taken on mentoring responsibilities at college and worked with manufacturers to help improve training facilities for future apprentices.
Read more about Daisy and the Heating Installer Awards 2026 winners
Building experience beyond the apprenticeship
Daisy’s achievements extend beyond the Heating Installer Awards.
She has also tested her skills through national competitions, including WorldSkills and competitions run by HIP Magazine. She has won two national finals and reached the top 10 in Screwfix’s trade competition.
These experiences, alongside her day-to-day apprenticeship, have given Daisy opportunities to test her skills, learn from others in the industry and continue developing as a plumbing and heating professional.
Her journey shows the opportunities an apprenticeship can create for people looking to build a skilled career in the trades and what can happen when apprentices actively seek opportunities beyond their everyday work.
Listen to Daisy’s BBC Essex interview
Daisy’s conversation with BBC Essex covers her route into the trade, what she has learned through her apprenticeship and why she believes learning from experienced engineers has been so valuable to her development.
Listen to Daisy’s full BBC Essex interview →
Daisy’s journey reflects exactly what the Heating Installer Awards exists to recognise: talented people developing their skills, contributing to the industry and setting high standards for the next generation.
You could be one of our 2027 winners
Entries for the Heating Installer Awards 2027 are now open and free to enter.
If you are an apprentice studying towards a Level 3 Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician qualification or equivalent, the Apprentice of the Year category is open to you. The award is run in conjunction with The Plumber Awards.
Enter the Heating Installer Awards 2027 →
National winners will be announced at InstallerSHOW in June 2027.
Audio used with permission from BBC Essex.